How to Reduce Fluid in the Ears

When ears become inflamed, it's possible for fluid to build up in the ears instead of draining down the Eustachian tube like it's supposed to. When that happens, the fluid can quickly become infected, causing fever and earaches. To fight the infection and to help encourage the fluid to drain, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. However, chronic ear infections may require surgery so you can finally reduce fluid in the ears. A bilateral myringotomy, or BMT, is a surgical procedure in which doctors insert a pressure equalization (PE) or tympanostomy tube into the eardrum, which will help prevent the accumulation of fluid in the ears.

Instructions

• 1

  Try other treatment options, such as antibiotics and the "wait-and-see" approach. Some ear infections are viral, meaning you can't treat them with antibiotics. Other ear infections simply don't respond well to antibiotics. If you're able to control your ear infections with medication or without any treatment at all, surgery isn't for you.

• 2

  Arrive at the hospital, which is where the BMT is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but expect to be at the hospital for a while before and after surgery.

• 3

  Understand that the doctor will cut a small hole in the eardrum to remove the fluid that's built up in the middle ear. The surgeon can reach the eardrum through your ear canal, so there is no incision, stitches or staples that you can see.

• 4

  Know that the surgeon will insert a tiny plastic tube in your eardrum after she removes all of the fluid. This tube will keep the eardrum from clogging up, which will allow fluid to flow through as intended.

• 5

  Expect the tubes to remain in place for six months to 18 months. Follow up with your doctor every six months to ensure there are no problems with your tubes.

• 6

  Consider that a repeat surgery is necessary in some cases. In children who needed ear tubes before 2 years old to reduce fluid in the ears, about one in four needed them again in the future.